'I could smell my skin burn'

A freak accident left Sophie Lee with life-changing scars. She tells new that in some ways they've changed her life for the better

- ALI GRAVES & ANNA BAILEY

Sophie Lee, 28, has been on a journey of soul-searching and learning to rebuild as an “even better, more resilient and stronger version” of herself after her chest and face caught fire during a terrifying freak accident on stage. The traumatising experience caused permanent changes to her physical appearance and had a profound impact on her entire outlook on life.

It has taken a long time for Sophie – who is now a motivational speaker and has released a book, which includes a foreword by fellow burns survivor Katie Piper – to feel comfortable in her skin as she tells us exclusively about hitting rock bottom and the healing powers of resilience…

Dancing across the stage to the sounds of Camila Cabello, I took a swig of paraffin, then got set for my fire-breathing finale. As the lyrics hit the crescendo, I blasted the liquid out of my mouth and on to the waiting flames, hearing an intake of breath from the crowd.

After five years of training and practise, my fire breathing routine was well-rehearsed, but suddenly I realised something felt very wrong. Instead of shooting away from me, the flames were engulfing my body, clinging to droplets of paraffin on my cheek, chin and chest. As I frantically hit at the flames to put them out, I could smell my skin and hair burning.

A LIFE CHANGED FOREVER 

I was on fire for just 30 seconds, but it changed my life forever. Staggering off the stage, all I heard was white noise, then paramedics arrived and rushed me to hospital. By this time my throat had started to tighten and I was struggling to breathe.